At times, Kankakee Valley seniors Bobby LaLonde and Brady Sampson might seem like the only two players on the court.

That can happen when two athletes have been looking for each other for nearly a decade. LaLonde and Sampson started playing basketball together in fourth grade.

“There have definitely been days at practice when neither of us were allowed to score,” Sampson said with a laugh.

The bond between LaLonde and Sampson extends far beyond the court but is critical to the Kougars’ success.

LaLonde, a 5-foot-10 guard, is averaging 14.7 points, 3.4 assists and 2.4 steals, all team highs for Kankakee Valley (7-7). Sampson, a 6-2 forward, is averaging 12.6 points and a team-high 7.8 rebounds.

First-year Kankakee Valley coach Cody Scott, who joined the program as an assistant in the middle of last season, couldn’t stop raving about them.

“Those two have control of the floor at all times,” Scott said. “You can tell they’ve worked together since they were younger. Bobby does a good job of running the team, and he knows to get the ball down to Brady to make something whenever we need to get a bucket.”

During their long run as teammates, LaLonde and Sampson have become each other’s biggest fan.

“I love his personality on the court,” Sampson said. “He is talkative, and I’m a little quieter, but I love his fiery nature and the passion he plays with.”

LaLonde, who said his favorite basketball player is Dennis Rodman, said he has always been a fan of the big men like Sampson.

“There are so many good things,” LaLonde said about Sampson’s strengths. “But if I had to pick one, it’s that he’ll get the rebound. He does the basic needs of a big man, and I love that.”

LaLonde and Sampson are perfect complements for each other.

“He makes me smarter because I know what his tendencies are,” LaLonde said. “As a point guard, you have to be able to know what someone’s going to do and where to get them the ball, and he helps me figure that out by telling me things on the court.”

Sampson said LaLonde offers a perspective he may not have from his position inside.

“He sees the offense really well and explains all of that to me,” Sampson said. “He might see a pass that I don’t necessarily see when I have the ball, but the next time down the floor, I can look for that pass.”

LaLonde and Sampson have the chance to look for each other on the court for only a few more weeks, which has lingered in the back of their minds. LaLonde said it has actually been at the front of his mind at times this season.

“From what I can tell, I’m the more emotional guy,” LaLonde said. “I’ve definitely shed some tears in the locker room after a few games this year.”

Sampson said he usually channels such thoughts into motivation for a long postseason run. The Kougars last won a sectional title in 2008.

“It just keeps me working to make sure that this goes as long as it can,” Sampson said. “I know the end is going to come at some point, but I try to put it off and just focus on the games we have coming up.”

Sampson intends to join the U.S. Navy after high school, and LaLonde is deciding between continuing his basketball career or becoming a third-generation member of the U.S. Army. But they haven’t completely ruled out following a similar path.

“He’s been asking me questions,” Sampson said. “I’ve definitely tried to sway his opinion a bit.”

Those conversations can continue later this year. LaLonde and Sampson are committed to guiding the Kougars for the rest of the season and leading by example.

“There aren’t a lot of teams that have their best players doing all of the grimy work,” LaLonde said. “If the two of us have more hustle and determination than anybody else, then the rest of the team will join us, and it’ll go a long way.”

Dave Melton is a freelance reporter.